Why do 40 defense pures/stakers get access to armor that is better than the 60 def counterparts? If you are going to have the armor on par with dragon, at bare minimum hard rune/god armors/gilded should all have a higher def requirement than 40.
I agree, but with a different approach. Instead of increasing def requirements, restrict these special armour from staking. Very few people can obtain these items, and 40defs already have an advantage in this combat system.
Everyone should be on the same level playing field albeit different stats for a fair and equal probability of risk.
Just give a larger mage and prayer boost and set armour equal to that of hardened. Its then more than a cosmetic and doesnt impact the staking scene. God armor = most rare armor so make it worth using via highest mage and pray bonus I.g.